PEGI to become sole UK ratings board

Published July 10, 2012 | By Stephen Carter

It was said to be happening some time soon, but like Duke Nukem: Forever, it seems to have taken its sweet time happening. But here we are reporting that PEGI is finally going to be the sole ratings board for video games in the UK.

The existing system is expected to take force on the 30th of July with the BBFC ratings taking an early retirement. Under the PEGI system, it will be illegal for a retailer to sell a video game with a PEGI age rating of 12, 16 or 18 to someone under that age.

In a press release welcoming the news, games industry trade body UKIE noted that the PEGI rollout is still subject to Parliamentary scrutiny, and therefore open to possible small delays.

CEO of the company, Jo Twist, had the following to say, “To prepare for the transition to the new system, we’ve already held PEGI briefing sessions to make sure that the industry is clear about what these changes will mean for them.

“We very much believe that the sole adoption of PEGI will provide clear and consistent direction on age ratings for parents and will be a vital tool in helping them to understand the types of games that their children should be playing.”

Which ratings system do you prefer and do you think swapping boards will ultimately stop underage gaming? Let us know below.